Records tumble as Mifsud Bonnici wins silver medal in Cyprus

Maria Mifsud Bonnici won silver in record time in yesterday's Triathlon Championship of the Small States of Europe in Cyprus. Her time of 2:09.43 beats her own previous national record by three minutes as David Galea equalled that feat by setting another new national record, beating the one set by Dermot Galea two years ago on the same course, by over one minute.

Galea's time of 1:53.58, however, was not enough to secure him a podium finish, with the first five positions going to athletes from Luxembourg and Monaco.

In all, 23 athletes from Cyprus, Luxembourg, Monaco and Malta took part in this fifth edition of the championship, which, for the first time, was held beyond our shores.

Luxembourg, once more, proved unbeatable both in the men's and women's field.

Their dominance, however, is looking increasingly fragile as the best athletes from Malta and Monaco are making inroads into their lead.

Mifsud Bonnici not only managed to beat her old-time rival from Luxembourg, Diane Chelius, but she finished only 20 seconds behind winner Jackie Komes, also of Luxembourg.

Komes won the last two editions of the championship.

Galea produced the performance of his life, improving his personal best over the distance by over five minutes, with just two minutes separating him and the winner of the race, Christian Krombach.

Mark Zammit, who at the end of the cycle segment was the provisional leader, finished 12th overall and second junior. Danica Spiteri, the other Maltese woman in the championship, finished fourth overall and first junior. Third Maltese was Gordon Camenzuli in 2:01.57, which again is a personal best for this promising triathlete. Nicky Farrugia was fourth in 2:06.12.

The team event was won by Monaco, second were Luxembourg, third Malta and fourth Cyprus.

The participation of the Malta team in the championship was made possible thanks to the assistance from the Malta Olympic Committee and Air Malta.